Friday, January 22, 2010

Book Review: The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

Review: “Suddenly, a column of turquoise light erupted from the darkness of Dutch Woods. A huge saucer rose to fill it, its rim spinning just above the tree line, its domed top and rounded bottom spilling light from stacked rows of yellow portholes. A collective gasp went up from the Outer Space Division and even a few scattered cheers. The ship hovered, throwing off swirling ribbons of gas. Then, like a bubble released from the bottom of a tub, it shot straight up into the starlit sky. Soon it was no more than a star itself. Then it was gone. In the aftermath, the town seemed darker than before. “Looks like Bud’s outdone himself, this time,” said Mrs. Creedle.” Thrilling, adventurous, an alien chase to the very end, The Doom Machine, written by Mark Teague, takes its readers on a journey out of this world. When is this exhilarating story occurring? What other point of time than 1956? To make the circumstances even more intriguing, a doom machine, disguised as a refrigerator will determine the fate of the universe!

Jack Creedle s the first to see the spaceship during his paper route. Who would believe the kid that always is threatened by the police officer about going to a reform school? This time, Jack is telling the truth, and that is made clear when the aliens broadcast themselves on television. The aliens want a device they call the special item. Afraid for their lives, the people of Vern Hollow, Jack’s hometown, flee. Isadora and her mother fit into the puzzle when their automobile breaks down. Is it destiny or chance that brings these two unlikely friends together? Nothing seems to go well from there as Jack, his uncle Bud, the police officer, the police officer’s son, Isadora, and her mother are abducted by the aliens which call themselves Skreeps. To make the situation worse, a machine that can put holes through time and space is created by Uncle Bud. This item is what the Skreeps called the special item. The special item is now in the possession of a Skreep named Xaafuun. Will these two young children overcome their differences and work together to stop the Skreeps, or will the universe fall to these spider like creatures whom are about to ruin their second planet?

The Doom Machine is a beautifully constructed story of companionship and a voyage through time and space. An obvious champion of the arts, Mark Teague has taken fiction to the next level! The arrival of a book two coming to stores would be of no surprise to me. It is a hope that Mark Teague will continue to write. The Doom Machine has soared past my expectations of what I believe to be an outstanding tale. Five stars is the max amount to give and is what I give this manuscript. In my opinion, The doom Machine has outdone itself with flying colors! Suspense and adventure fill this three hundred seventy six page book from the beginning to its end. I recommend this book for ages ten to fourteen because of its fun, play on words and marvelous sense of creativity. My eyes always fill with wonder as each character jumps from planet to planet. Joe the hobo only added on to the fun and adventure to the story. Mark Teague has inspired me to look at reading and reality a completely different way for the better. Mark Teague has built a track to skreepia that will keep children climbing for many generations to come!

Review written by Brandon (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The Mehta Family for providing a copy of The Doom Machine for this review.